Jaguars turn it up in spring practice

On the final snap of a 35-play scripted football practice this month, Ridgeland-Hardeeville High wide receiver Christopher Edwards played quarterback in the option formation.

Meanwhile, starting defensive tackle Santonio Ford knelt on the sideline after playing the majority of the practice.

Operating out of the shotgun, Edwards rolled right, eluded the pass rush, shifted into reverse, and sprinted up the left sideline for a 75-yard touchdown.

Ford had something to say, and he said it for everyone to hear, “That wouldn’t have happened if I was on.”

Players and coaches were pleased with the intensity of the session.

“We want to turn it up a notch,” two-way lineman Chester Newton said of the Jaguars’ desire to improve on last year’s 4-7 finish.

“I can’t single anybody out, because everybody came to play.”

About 24 players took part in the practice. Starting wide receiver Kevon Williams and defensive standout Kaelin Devore did not participate as they recovered from injuries, but they expect to return for the upcoming season.

Jaguars coach Blake Raley said coaches and players walked into a difficult situation last year, when Ridgeland High and Hardeeville High merged.

The combined team had a limited window to jell into a cohesive unit.

“The short time hurt,” Raley said.

Newton said, “Last year we were trying to understand where we were at.”

The upcoming season brings more change as offensive coordinator Russell Holley is moving to Florida after six seasons.

Raley plans to go from the traditional Ridgeland power game — Holley enjoyed running the T-formation — to a more wide open attack.

“We’ll be a little more spread out,” Raley said. “You can expect to see some more I-sets.”

Quarterback D. J. Myers demonstrated his arm strength in the scripted practice, raising the possibility of more pass plays during the season.

On defense, the Jaguars welcome the return of defensive coordinator Arthur Gardner, who was on the Ridgeland staff in 2010-11.

Defensive lineman Tyree Simmons said the players were glad to have Gardner back.

“The kids are familiar with him,” Raley said.

Raley said there will be more people playing on both sides of the ball.

“Last year we had most of the guys playing one way, and it didn’t work out well,” Raley said.

As an example of the two-way system, Newton will start at right guard on offense and weak-side tackle on defense. Also, Ford will start at strong-side tackle on defense and will be the top utility lineman on offense.